Why More People Are Switching to Natural Deodorants

The Rise of Natural Deodorants

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in more natural personal care products. This includes natural deodorants, which have seen a surge in popularity, especially among health-conscious and environmentally friendly consumers. The defining feature of natural deodorants is that they are made without many of the potentially harmful ingredients found in conventional deodorants, such as aluminum, parabens, and artificial fragrances.

Ditching Traditional Deodorants

So why are so many people ditching traditional deodorants for natural alternatives? There are a few key reasons:

• Concerns over ingredients like aluminum salts and parabens, which may be linked to health issues like breast cancer and endocrine disruption when absorbed into the body
• A desire to avoid synthetic fragrances, which can cause skin irritation
• The increase in chemical sensitivities and allergies
• Worries over the environmental impact of some chemicals used in deodorants when they wash off in the shower

The "Hippy" Appeal of Natural Deodorants

In addition to health concerns, natural deodorants also appeal to the crunchy, eco-conscious “hippy” in many consumers. They align well with holistic lifestyles and liking for more natural products across all areas like clean eating, green beauty, and sustainability.

Making your own natural deodorant has long been popular among hippies and DIYers alike too. The idea of whipping up small batches of chemical-free deodorant with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, baking soda, and essential oils feels good.

How Effective Are Natural Deodorants?

Now, it would be remiss not to address the elephant in the room here - how well do natural deodorants actually work at keeping odor at bay? The truth is that results can vary based on your body chemistry, climate, and the particular formula you choose. Not all natural deodorants are created equal. Here are some key points on effectiveness:

• Most contain antimicrobial ingredients like baking soda, arrowroot powder, activated charcoal, and antimicrobial essential oils to help combat odor-causing bacteria.
• Some plant-based formulas are better at absorbing wetness than others, an important factor for controlling bacteria growth.
• There is often an adjustment period of a few weeks when switching as your body detoxes from aluminum/parabens.
• Reapplication may be needed more frequently than traditional deodorants at first.
• Finding the right formula for your needs may require some trial and error.

Tips for Making Natural Deodorants Work

Here are some tips to make natural deodorants work effectively for you:

1. Look for formulas with odor-fighting ingredients like magnesium hydroxide, kaolin clay, probiotic cultures, sage extract, and zinc oxide.
2. Apply to clean underarms - gently exfoliate first to remove any buildup.
3. Reapply as needed, especially on hot sweaty days.
4. Use an antiperspirant at night and natural deodorant in the daytime.
5. Give it 2-4 weeks for your body to adjust before judging effectiveness.

Reviews of Top Natural Deodorant Brands

If you want to give natural deodorants a try, you’ll find there are now excellent options beyond just baking soda mixed with coconut oil. Many natural beauty and green living companies offer high performing natural deodorant sticks, creams, and sprays. Here is a look at some top natural deodorant brands:

Schmidt's

Schmidt's makes one of the most popular natural deodorant sticks on the market. Their mineral-salt formula provides up to 24 hours of odor protection and comes in lovely scents like jasmine tea, rose and vanilla, and bergamot and lime. Schmidt's deodorants go on smooth, absorb quickly, and work well for sensitive skin too.

Native Deodorant

For an effective natural deodorant in both stick, spray, and wipe form, there is Native. Their Coconut & Vanilla deodorant stick glides on easily and uses ingredients like tapioca starch, coconut oil, and manzanilla extract to neutralize odors. They also sell plastic-free deodorant packaging and unscented options.

Each & Every

As a certified B-Corp committed to ethical and sustainable business practices, Each & Every makes excellent aluminum-free deodorants like their botanical Charcoal deodorant. It uses konjac root, arrowroot powder, essential oils and vegan probiotics for odor protection that is gentle enough for sensitive skin.

From boutique natural brands to major players at mass retailers, there are now many types of quality natural deodorants available in stores and online that provide good odor protection without harsh chemicals. It’s worth doing some research to find the one that works best for your needs.

DIY Your Own Natural Deodorant

Looking to channel your inner hippy or save money? Whipping up your own batch of deodorant isn’t hard and means you control exactly what goes in it. Here is an easy homemade natural deodorant recipe to try:

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp Coconut Oil (solid at room temp)
• 3 Tbsp Baking Soda
• 2 Tbsp Arrowroot Powder (or cornstarch)
• 10 drops Essential Oils (e.g. lavender, tea tree, citrus)

Instructions

1. Melt coconut oil to liquid form (microwave 20 sec). Allow to cool slightly.
2. Thoroughly mix in baking soda and arrowroot powder.
3. Stir in essential oils.
4. Pour into small jar or empty deodorant stick tube. Let harden at room temp overnight before using.

Be sure to store your homemade deodorant in the fridge if your house gets very warm, so the coconut oil doesn’t melt. Have fun experimenting with different natural antimicrobial ingredients like bentonite clay, kaolin clay, magnesium hydroxide, probiotic powder, etc. to find your perfect odor-fighting formula.

FAQs

Are natural deodorants really effective?

Natural deodorants use ingredients like baking soda, arrowroot powder, essential oils and magnesium hydroxide instead of aluminum and parabens to combat odor-causing bacteria. Results may vary, but choosing a top rated brand, applying properly, and giving your body a few weeks to adjust can lead to good odor control for many users.

What's the difference between an antiperspirant and deodorant?

Deodorants work to neutralize odors while antiperspirants physically stop sweat production. Most conventional deodorants contain some antiperspirant ingredients like aluminum too. Natural deodorants focus solely on reducing odor and bacteria growth while allowing you to continue sweating normally.

Can you make your own deodorant at home?

Yes, making your own chemical-free deodorant at home is easy, affordable, and rewarding. Simply mix bentonite clay, arrowroot powder, coconut oil, essential oils and other naturally antimicrobial ingredients like baking soda or mineral salts into a paste and apply to clean underarms as needed.

Do natural deodorants stain clothes?

Some natural deodorants containing ingredients like arrowroot powder, kaolin clay, baking soda, or coconut oil can temporarily leave a white residue or oily stain behind on dark clothing. Choosing an unscented formula or letting deodorant dry fully before dressing can help minimize this.

Can you use natural deodorant during pregnancy?

Yes, natural deodorants are safe for expecting mothers since they avoid potentially harmful ingredients like aluminum, parabens, synthetic fragrances, phthalates, and more. Always check with your doctor about introducing new body care products while pregnant or nursing though.